Another Word for Common: 19 Synonyms with Examples
“Common” can mean happening often, shared by many, or ordinary. It can also sound snobbish when used of people, so choose with care.
As an adjective: happening often
- frequent
- widespread
- usual
- everyday
- prevalent
- routine
- familiar
- standard
As an adjective: shared by two or more
- shared
- joint
- mutual
- collective
- communal
- public
As an adjective: ordinary; not special
- ordinary
- average
- typical
- standard
- plain
- unremarkable
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- widespread
- Found over a large area or among many people.
- prevalent
- Formal; widespread at a particular time or place.
- mutual
- Shared feelings or interests between people: mutual respect.
- shared
- Neutral way to say two or more have it.
- ordinary
- Not special; neutral, unlike the snobbish sense of “common”.
Example sentences
- widespread: There is widespread support for the new park.
- prevalent: The disease is more prevalent in warm climates.
- mutual: They have a mutual friend in Glasgow.
- shared: The flats have a shared garden.
- ordinary: It was an ordinary Tuesday until the phone rang.
Opposite of common
- rare
- uncommon
- unusual
- exceptional
- individual
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “common”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: park, commons, green
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “common”?
The most useful alternatives are “frequent”, “widespread”, “usual”, “everyday”, “prevalent”. For the main sense (happening often), “frequent” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “widespread” and “prevalent”?
widespread: Found over a large area or among many people. prevalent: Formal; widespread at a particular time or place.
What is the opposite of “common”?
Common antonyms are “rare”, “uncommon”, “unusual”, “exceptional”, “individual”.